Plumbers also need to shut off the water when working on pipes, taps, or hot water cylinders, so it is crucial to know where your water shut-off valve (toby) is located.

Where is My Toby Located?

The toby is the main water shut-off valve for your home. Its location depends on the type of property you live in.

Standalone Homes

• The toby is typically found near the front boundary of the property.
• It is often aligned with an outdoor hose tap.
• Look for it in the garden, grass verge, or footpath area near your boundary.

Townhouses

• In townhouses, the toby is often located inside rather than outside.
• It may be found in the garage or near the hot water cylinder cupboard.

Apartments

• Apartment buildings usually have a main toby that controls water supply for all units.
• Each apartment should also have an individual toby, but it may not be located inside the unit.
• Look in the hot water cupboard, under the kitchen sink, or behind an access panel.
• If you are unsure, contact your body corporate or building manager for a plumbing plan.

How to Identify a Toby

• Most outdoor tobies are in the ground, covered by a lid.
• Older tobies often have a square metal lid.
• Newer tobies usually have a black or blue oblong plastic lid, often marked with “WCC” (Wellington City Council).
• Indoor tobies may be found in a wall access panel or hot water cupboard.

What If I Cannot Find My Toby?

If you are having trouble locating your toby, Wellington City Council can help. They provide free services to locate and repair tobies, as they are responsible for supplying water to homes. The toby marks the point where council plumbing ends and your private plumbing begins.

How to Check If Your Toby is Working

Once you have found your toby, ensure it is functional by following these steps:

1. Turn the handle clockwise – this should shut off the water.
2. Turn on a tap inside your home – some water may initially drain from the pipes, but the flow should stop completely.
3. Turn the handle anticlockwise – this will turn the water back on.

If the handle is stiff, rusted, or does not turn properly, it may need maintenance or replacement.

Why It’s Important to Know How to Shut Off Your Water

• Prevents major water damage in case of a plumbing emergency.
• Allows plumbers to work on repairs efficiently.
• Saves time during a crisis, especially if you have a burst pipe or overflowing water tank.

At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we recommend that every homeowner locates their toby and tests it periodically to ensure it is in good working condition. If you need assistance with plumbing emergencies, pipe repairs, or maintenance, contact our expert plumbers in Wellington today.

Call us now for professional plumbing services and emergency repairs!